Scripps Ranch earns shot at first boys lacrosse title

Don Norcross

Less than a minute remained in overtime. Scripps Ranch midfielder Joey Tudor cradled the ball 15 yards out in the right slot and let it fly low. Seconds later, Santa Fe Christian goalie Grant Koopman, one of the San Diego Section’s best netminders, buried his face in the turf in frustration.

And Tudor lofted his stick skyward.

Tudor’s goal with 51 seconds remaining in OT lifted Scripps Ranch to a 5-4 victory over the host Eagles in a Division I semifinal. Scripps will face La Jolla in the title game Saturday.

Noting that Santa Fe Christian (11-8) eliminated the Falcons (10-9) in the semis two years ago, Tudor said, “It’s nice to get some revenge.”

The stars of the game were the goalies. Koopman stopped 11 shots. Scripps Ranch’s Justin Nguyen turned aside seven. Many of the saves came at point-blank range.

When Tudor’s shot bounced off the artificial turf and rustled the net, rather than run to the opposite end of the field to celebrate, Nguyen fell to his knees.

“I started crying,” Nguyen said. “I was so relieved. It’s the greatest feeling in the world. Nothing compares to this. I’m still, like, shaking. That was crazy. Dude, I hate overtime.”

Nguyen will play lacrosse next year at Division III Elmhurst College in Illinois. Koopman, also a senior, is bound for Division I Robert Morris.

Indicative of the defensive battle, the nine goals were scored by nine different players.

“Every goal was a grind,” Santa Fe Christian coach Tom DeMaio said.

Scripps, which lost to La Jolla in the final last year, will be trying to earn its first section lacrosse championship.

Norcross is a freelance writer.

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Hilltop wins 50-48.

Hilltop wins 50-48.

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Hilltop wins 50-48.

Hilltop wins 50-48.

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Granite Hills H.S. wins 8-7.

Granite Hills H.S. wins 8-7.

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Saint Augustine wins 66-44.

Saint Augustine wins 66-44.

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La Jolla wins 11-7. Followed by an interview with Ciara Franke from La Jolla

La Jolla wins 11-7. Followed by an interview with Ciara Franke from La Jolla

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Anthony Sola is a Linebacker from Morse H.S. Ace Roach is a Quarterback from Rancho Buena Vista H.S.

Anthony Sola is a Linebacker from Morse H.S. Ace Roach is a Quarterback from Rancho Buena Vista H.S.